Old wooden covered bridges are neck-and-neck with painted red barns when it comes to classic New England charm. Contrary to what you might think, covered bridges were not constructed to shelter travelers from the elements. The roofs and siding were actually built to protect the structure from the harsh New England weather and ensure they’d last as long as possible. The covered bridges’ roofs and sides were easy to replace. They kept wind, rain, snow, and sleet from the heavy beams and timbers that supported the bridge load.
- Groton Street Covered Bridge, Pepperell.
Flickr/Nate Wilson
- Old Ironsides Covered Bridge, Rutland.
Flickr/James Walsh
- Covered bridge at Governors Academy, Byfield.
Flickr/MOTT
- Gilbertville Covered Bridge, Hardwick.
Flickr/James Walsh
- Burkeville Covered Bridge, Conway. (Rt. 116)
Flickr/MOTT
- Covered Bridge at Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge.
Flickr/Lauren
- The Goodrich Covered Bridge, Westfield.
Flickr/James Walsh
- Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge, Lyonsville.
Flickr/James Walsh
Inside the Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge, Lyonsville.
Flickr/C Hanchey
- Sheffield Covered Bridge, Sheffield.
Flickr/Melanie McCue
- Tannery Bridge, Sandisfield.
Flickr/James Walsh
- Moore State Park Bridge, Paxton.
Flickr/Michael Femia
- Bissell Covered Bridge, Charlemont.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
- Conway Covered Bridge, Conway
Flickr/TIZ_1
Not all New England wooden bridges were covered and only a few original covered bridges remain -as they fell apart and needed repairs, they were replaced by newer concrete and steel bridges, which are hardier and don’t need wooden covers to protect them. Did we miss any of your favorite Massachusetts covered bridges?
Flickr/Nate Wilson
Flickr/James Walsh
Flickr/MOTT
Flickr/Lauren
Flickr/C Hanchey
Flickr/Melanie McCue
Flickr/Michael Femia
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/TIZ_1
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